Okay, I’ll admit, I have a huge case of ‘crafting envy’. I look at Pintrest and Instagram and see all manner of beautiful photos of incredible things people have made and I feel a serious case of envy at not being able to do anything similar.
This isn’t anything new. This is a lifelong thing. My mum is a fabulous crafter – when my sister and I were little, she would sew beautiful skirts for us in just an afternoon, knit us jumpers with intricate designs in just a few evenings and then I would try. Fail spectacularly. And sulk.
When I was compiling my list of ’40 things before 40′, crocheting was right up there. My sister-in-law bought me needles, wool and an idiot’s guide to getting started. And I tried. And tried. And failed.
I watched online tutorials. And failed.
And stamped my feet.
But when the lovely people at Black Sheep Wools invited me to take part in their beginners’ class, I jumped at the chance. I made it very clear that I have no skill and there was little chance of success, but they assured me that it wouldn’t be a problem.
The learn to crochet class is aimed at complete beginners and we were provided with beautiful Rowan yarn, needles and scissors, so you just need to turn up, eager to learn.
Melanie from Rowan, talked us through the basics – including how to read wool labels to select the correct needle – and started us off with a basic chain stitch. I did struggle initially, as I’m a weird type f left hander that uses their right hand for most things, but I soon got the hang of it.
Then we moved on to double and treble stitches. All the time, Melanie was on hand with plenty of help and advice and encouraging us.
After lunch, we started on a ‘granny square’ (a classic!), utilising the stitches that we had learnt during the morning session. I was still sceptical that I could achieve anything, but within the afternoon session I managed this…
And since I’ve come home I have persevered and started another square. I think I might have cracked this crafting malarkey and crochet is definitely my cup of tea *digs out needle and continues*
I would like to thank Black Sheep and Rowan for all their help and use of their equipment that made the day possible.
Six degrees of harmony 
Oh lovely, you know learning to crochet is on my list of things I’d love to do so it’s good to know you picked it up fairly easily! Impressed that you have made two squares already! x Julia @ Rainbeaubelle
Thank you. I’m a left hander that does things with my right so my brain gets confused – but I love it. You would pick it up in no time x
This is fantastic progress. I would absolutely love to learn to crochet!
Thank you. I honestly can’t believe that I managed it and how much I loved it – and I’m a left hander that uses my right hand so I get confused easily. But you should definitely look out for a class, it feels like such an achievement. Thanks for reading
Blimey well done I’m really impressed. I’m like you, just not a crafty person, so I’m really impressed. #sharefriday
Have you ever tried crochet? I’m the world’s least crafty person, I I think if I can do it, anyone can 🙂
wow your pieces look fab. I take it all back. I think it is like anything though I need to practice. I *aim* to have a little go every day. We will get there 🙂
It is definitely all about practise- I’m still making mistakes but now I can see where I went wrong. And the movement is slowly becoming more fluid. 🙂
I see in the comments that you’re left handed – I have tried and failed at learning to crochet and did wonder if it was because I’m left handed (but trying to crochet with my right, which is my dominant hand in my many things). Now I’ve seen that you’ve done it I might give it one more go 🙂
Ah you just need an awesome teacher and you’ll be fantastic! This class was the best thing I’ve ever done, it’s given me so much confidence. I didn’t realise you were a fellow leftie too (btw, so lovely to see you and your Mr the other night) x